John-Born Again
Orient Discussion with Nicodemus
Today’s section of Scripture highlights discourse, following the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who visits Jesus at night. During their discussion, Nicodemus is confused by the words of Jesus, which is a pattern we will see throughout the book when He teaches about spiritual matters. This portion of Scripture contains the most biblical references on regeneration, new life as a mark of the believer and essential for salvation. In verse 14, Jesus brings an Old Testament story into His discussion (Numbers 21:4-9). Metaphor and simile are included literary elements in today’s reading (birth, wind, the serpent) as well as contrasts between the spirit/flesh and earthly/from above. The passage ends with a clear statement on the theme of John: whomever believes in Jesus will have eternal life.
Introduction
“No matter how brilliant someone is or how much effort he applies, man simply cannot find an answer. This is why the whole history of philosophy is one of confusion and despair. Man lacks the information to answer the great question about God and eternity[1]”
When you think of a spiritual sage who comes to mind? In John 3, Nicodemus seeks out Jesus because the signs He was doing showed God was with Him. Instead of religious advice, Jesus takes it deeper, showing this seeker that what he needs is not to be practicing his Jewish faith with more rigor, but to become a whole new man to enter the kingdom of God.
Opening Prayer
Jesus, it takes more than my intellect and abilities to understand Your word. Spirit, what a gift it is to be able to see spiritual realities because You empower me with divine insight. Help me to see and enter Your kingdom today as I come to You with questions. Speak to my heart and probe deeper than the questions that I come with today. Amen
Meditation
Read and reread the following passage, taking God’s word in deeply. As you do be sensitive to a phrase or verse the Holy Spirit emphasizes to you personally.
John 3:1-15 (ESV)
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
Paraphrase
Rewrite the phrase or verse that the Holy Spirit highlighted during meditation. What is your take away?
Reflect
1. Nicodemus saw Jesus as a teacher and Jesus knew He needed a Savior. What things do you sometimes request Jesus’s advice on instead of asking Him to rescue you?
2. Ever get into a spiritual conversation with someone and be frustrated because they just don’t understand the things of God? Jesus points out to Nicodemus that you have to be born again to “see” and tries to use earthly examples to teach spiritual realities. Think of someone you’ve been having spiritual discussions with that may not be a person of faith yet. How will reading about this encounter change your approach or attitude? Who ultimately does the work of bringing understanding to an unregenerate heart?
3. Nicodemus was a teacher of scripture and a member of the Sanhedrin, one of the ruling members with political power. He has historically gained access to God from following the law and being born a Jew, having relied on his ethnicity to see the kingdom. Jesus explains your religious pedigree doesn’t give him access to the kingdom but becoming a new creation does. In what ways do you keep trying to earn your salvation? What parts of the gospel do you need to hear afresh to rest in salvation by a new birth?
4. In Numbers 21, the Israelites were impatient with God and their journey toward the promised land. Old Testament stories are given to the church to point to spiritual realities, like in this passage how Jesus is shown to be better than the snake lifted up in the desert. The snake gave physical life, where Jesus gives eternal life. Like the Israelites, we are on a pilgrimage, following God until we reach heaven. In what ways are you being impatient with your progress? How can keeping your eyes on Christ and what He has done for you help?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, I need a rescue. There are so many times I read Your word for direction when I need to be reminded that my greatest need has already been met by You. You have provided a way for me to see and enter Your kingdom someday. Give me patience as I walk with You. Keep my eyes focused on You. You have been lifted up for my salvation in your crucifixion and gloried in Your resurrection and ascension. Give me perspective as I encounter others who don’t know You yet. Let me pray for them, remembering that they need to be born again to see your truth. Give me the words to try and explain so Your Spirit can make them come alive. I am done living by my own power and earning your approval. I want to rest in gratitude to You for making me a new creation.
Continue praying personally to the Lord with what He showed you during mediation and reflection.
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